BayToday Picture Play: a hundred thousand welcomes

Story and photos provided by Angela Johnston

Billy McMahon, Grand Chieftain in Scots Gaelic "Ceud Mile Failtre" a hundred thousand welcomes to the visitors, participants and volunteers. If you did not know better you would think you’re in Scotland with all the tartans, pipes and dancing that took place in West Ferris this weekend.

John Ferguson Founder of North Bay would have smiled with pride as West Ferris echoed with the sounds of pipes and drums reminding many of our family roots and traditions, while celebrating our Scottish Heritage.

Celtfest 2008 showcased the World class Grade One Toronto Pipes and Drums along with the Sudbury Pipes & Drums, New Liskard Pipes & Drums, Hailbury Pipes & Drums and North Bay Newest Pipe Band Northern Caledonia Pipes and Drums.

The above average temperatures or threats of thunder storm did not put of the desire to be named #1 during the competition. Nor did it change anyone's plans for the opportunity of being together competing for awards and prizes and just having fun. Celtfest 2008 was the opportunity for a new band, Cion Ceol Irish Celtic Band to be first act for the returning Strange Potatoes.

Chairperson Colleen Porter was pleased with the transition this year into North Bay, stating, "We will be starting this August to work on Celtfest 2009 which will be bigger than ever!"